In truth it was not a good night for Ollie Watkins, who started instead of Kane, and should really be well placed to deputise for him but was unconvincing. But at least Kane saved it by attacking the ball and panicking Macedonian defender Jani Atanasov who inadvertently flicked it off his shoulder and into the net. That was some impact even if, ultimately, the Bayern Munich striker could not do enough to win the game. Precisely 42 seconds later he forced England’s equalising goal from a corner and transformed the mood. Goodness how they laboured at times and despite dominating against a highly committed but relatively limited North Macedonia – brushed aside 7-0 last June at Old Trafford lest it be forgotten – until Kane stepped off the substitutes’ bench. It was Pep Guardiola who labelled Tottenham Hotspur the “Harry Kane team” and although that caused offence at the time it is indisputable that, despite their riches of talent, and the absence of the also priceless Jude Bellingham, England are undeniably still the Harry Kane team.

In other words, if England have any hope of winning the European Championships next summer then they must pray that their captain stays fit. It is a truth universally acknowledged that an England team (hoping to be) in possession of good fortune, must be in want of Harry Kane.